DEATH BRINGS ANTICIPATION INSTEAD OF FEAR WHEN WE PUT OUR HOPE IN GOD. (Genesis 49:29-50:14)
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SERMON NOTES:
Death Defying Hope
Genesis 49:29-50:14
Death brings anticipation instead of fear when we put our hope in God.
When facing death personally, we get to anticipate our life to come. (49:29-33)
When experiencing the death of others, we grieve with hope. (50:1-14)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 49:29 – 50:14
1. Read verses 49:29-33. What has Jacob’s dying wish? What does this wish demonstrate about Jacob and his faith? Why do you believe this? What do you think it means when it says Jacob was “gathered to his people? Why is this important?
2. So what. What happens when a Christian dies? Take some time to read the following verses and list the various realities we will experience after death: Luke 23:42; John 11:25; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 21:1-4. How can these realities bring us encouragement, peace and hope in our lives now?
3. Read verses 50:1-6. What happened after Jacob died? What does the response of the Egyptian people and Pharaoh tell us about how the Egyptians viewed Jacob?
4. Read verses 50:7-14. What did Joseph do next, and who went with him? How many people do you think made the trip back to Canaan? Why do you think it was so important for all these people to mourn Jacob together?
5. So what. As American Christians in the 21st century, what are common grieving practices for us when someone dies? What should characterize our perspective on death as Christians? Make sure to consider your answers from question #2 above and also 1 Thessalonians 4:13. How do you want people to go about grieving when you die? Why?